Training on the Science of Early Childhood Development equips 23 domestic workers in Morogoro with practical knowledge and skills to improve caregiving, early learning and child well-being.
1 September 2026
MOROGORO, Tanzania – The Tanzania Early Childhood Development Network (TECDEN), in partnership with the Conservation, Hotels, Domestic and Allied Workers’ Union (CHODAWU) through the Care Initiative, has strengthened the capacity of 23 domestic workers in Morogoro through training on the Science of Early Childhood Development (ECD).
The training is part of efforts to strengthen the knowledge and skills of caregivers who play an important role in children’s daily lives and to promote greater integration of Early Childhood Development into skills development and the wider childcare workforce.
Domestic workers often spend considerable time caring for young children within household settings. Their daily interactions and caregiving practices can therefore influence children’s early learning, communication, social and emotional development, safety and overall well-being.
The training equipped participants with practical knowledge on child growth and developmental milestones, responsive and nurturing caregiving, play and early learning, positive communication and interaction with children, positive discipline, child protection, and creating safe, stimulating and supportive environments.
The approach recognises that quality childcare is not limited to meeting children’s basic needs. Young children also need responsive relationships, opportunities to play and learn, protection, stimulation and consistent support to develop to their full potential.
The initiative also provides an important opportunity to connect skills development with Early Childhood Development. CHODAWU’s engagement with domestic workers creates a platform through which ECD knowledge can be incorporated into the competencies of workers involved in childcare, helping to strengthen the quality of care provided within households while contributing to greater recognition of childcare and domestic work as work that requires knowledge, skills and appropriate working conditions.
The approach is consistent with the principles of ILO Convention No. 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, which recognises the rights and dignity of domestic workers and the importance of appropriate protections and conditions within domestic work.
Tanzania’s Early Childhood Development agenda recognises that children’s development is influenced by multiple sectors and environments, including households, communities, health and nutrition services, education, social protection and the labour sector. Strengthening the capacity of domestic workers therefore contributes to the broader National Multisectoral Early Childhood Development Programme (NM-ECDP) by extending ECD knowledge beyond formal early learning settings and into the homes and communities where children spend much of their early years.
For TECDEN, the initiative reinforces the importance of building a knowledgeable, skilled and supported ECD workforce across different sectors and settings.
A key objective of the training was to ensure that participants could translate ECD knowledge into everyday caregiving practices.
“Before this training, I thought caring for a child was mainly about feeding and keeping them safe. Now I understand that talking, playing, listening and responding to children are just as important for their development. I will apply these lessons every day in my work,” said one participant.
The reflection highlights an important shift in understanding: caregiving is not simply about supervision. Everyday interactions can become opportunities for learning, communication, emotional connection and healthy development.
The training of 23 domestic workers represents a practical investment in caregivers who interact with children every day. By strengthening their knowledge and skills, the initiative can contribute to improving the quality of care experienced by children and families while supporting the development of a stronger childcare workforce.
The collaboration between TECDEN and CHODAWU demonstrates the value of bringing together ECD actors and workers’ organisations to strengthen the capacity of caregivers and advance a more responsive childcare workforce.
As Tanzania continues to strengthen its multisectoral Early Childhood Development agenda, bringing ECD knowledge and skills closer to families, caregivers and communities remains critical.
“Investing in caregivers is investing in children – and investing in children is investing in Tanzania’s human capital and future.”
For more information please contact:
Tanzania Early Childhood Development Network (TECDEN)
Call Us: +255 791357503
info@tecden.or.tz Dodoma, Tanzania